Exoascus

Exoascus

Exoascus or Taphrina, a genus of parasitic fungi of the family Exoascaceae (which is likely no longer valid as it does not appear listed on ITIS.gov's database) a genus which belonged to the class Ascomycetes. These fungi cause various deformities on seed plants, especially trees. One of the species causes the disease known as peach curl, which results in a characteristic curling and deformities of the leaf. Another species forms the so-called plum pockets. In this disease the young plums shrivel and seeds fail to develop. Some species cause brushlike deformities known as witches'-brooms on cherry trees.